Supreme Court lauds progress on CCTV installation in police stations, flags funding hurdles

The Supreme Court noted that significant progress has been made on the installation of CCTV cameras in police stations across the country, even as it flagged concerns over the sustainability of government funding for the scheme going forward in some States [In Re: Lack of functional CCTVs in Police Stations].

The Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was informed by Amicus Curiae Siddharth Dave that he has filed a status report following a meeting with the Union government. Substantial work done has been done, he added.

However, Dave also flagged that the funding scheme for Assam is set to lapse in December, and that some States are struggling and require additional funds.

The Court observed that scheme money cannot be used for maintenance of CCTVs, which could leave State governments with little incentive to keep the cameras functional over time.

It noted that Himachal Pradesh was the only State to have received the funds so far, and that significant work had been carried out there.

It also commended Dave for his work, noting that there has been substantial progress overall.

"Things have been moving. In this matter, things are moving very well. We must give credit to Mr. Dave. Things have taken a positive turn," the Bench said.

The Court was hearing a suo motu case initiated to address concerns about lack of functional CCTV cameras in police stations across India.

The case is tied to the Supreme Court's 2020 ruling in Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh, which made it mandatory for States and Union Territories to install CCTV cameras with night vision and audio recording in every police station, as well as in the offices of central agencies such as the CBI, NIA, ED and NCB.

The Court had taken up the present suo motu proceeding earlier after reports of 11 custodial deaths in Rajasthan in eight months. It had previously pulled up several States and the Union government for failing to file compliance affidavits.

The Bench today identified two issues that require further attention: the extension of funding schemes for CCTV installation and its long-term maintenance.

In its order, the Court recorded that the amicus had submitted his report, dated July 21, following a meeting with the Union government.

The Additional Solicitor General was granted two weeks to obtain instructions on the suggestions and recommendations contained in the report.

The matter will be heard further in August.

The Delhi High Court is also seized of a related matter, where a petitioner has flagged the absence of CCTV cameras at a Crime Branch office in the city despite the Supreme Court's directives for functional CCTV cameras at such offices.

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